3 Store-Bought Dinner Shortcuts

Get dinner on the table in no time with a few store-bought dinner shortcuts!

Before I get into the nitty-gritty of these store-bought dinner shortcuts, let me just say THANK YOU. Thank you for all the texts, messages, meals, hugs, and more the past few weeks. Since having Michael [birth story here], things have been rough. Both emotionally and physically for me, Ted, my kids, and my parents [have you struggled with the 4th trimester?!]. But you know what? Things are better. I’m feeling better. Heck, I’m writing this blog post! And I’m realizing that there will be good days and bad days. Or good moments and bad moments. AND THAT’S OK! But turning this corner and writing this blog post just goes to show myself that I can and will be ok.

One of my first outings with the boys post 4th-trimester drama: a cookie decorating party. I might not have done my hair but I put on mascara. AND I had great conversation with new and old friends. WIN WIN!

While everyone else seems to be sharing cookie recipes or holiday roast ideas, I figured you could use a little weeknight meal inspiration because let’s face it: we still have to get dinner on the table after we make those sugar cookies! And while I’m all for everything homemade, I’m also all for easy store-bought shortcuts. Because children. Christmas shopping. Anxiety attacks. All of the above seems to be happening at the moment in our house.

No anxiety attacks from this crew. Mom and Dad? Well, we asked Santa that we have no more hospital trips in 2019!

One thing I love about using Kroger’s online grocery ordering program [Clicklist] right now is that a. I can choose the brands I want in my grocery order b. I can add some of these store-bought shortcuts like zoodles or sweet potato noodles and c. I don’t have to get out of my car with 4 kids to get my groceries. So let’s get to the meals!

First up: slow cooker beef stew. All you need is beef stew meat, sweet potatoes, carrots, onion, beef broth, rosemary, and a bay leaf, and voila! You’ve got yourself an easy beef stew. I cooked this bad boy on low for about 8 hours so the beef was nice and tender. Oh and served with garlic bread. Because I knew that was one thing my kids would all eat.

Next up: an easy slow cooker peanut chicken. This is the peanut sauce I used and poured over the top of the chicken. Again, cooked low and slow for about 5 hours, shredded and topped with the green onion [sliced], and sautéed sweet potato noodles. Oh and rice. Because of the kids.

And lastly: jazzed up store-bought marinara sauce [you can also reference this post I have for dinners to make with jarred pasta sauce]. This one I added sautéed mushrooms and onions and garlic, plus some Italian sausage and fresh basil. Ted and I ate ours with spaghetti squash and the kids ate theirs with pasta.

There you have it, my friends. A new post in what feels like a lifetime. And some easy meal ideas for the busiest time of year for many of us.

Ok lastly. A chubby baby picture. Because I just wanted to make your day even brighter! Can you believe this guy will be 3 months old TOMORROW?!

My family and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year if I don’t talk to you before then!